London Wildlife Trust seeks people who like working outdoors

DO YOU love wildlife and working outdoors? Are you practically minded and willing to learn new skills? Have you thought about a career in nature conservation?

You could be eligible for Wild Talent, a paid, one-year traineeship with London Wildlife Trust.

This work-based, practical training also involves some written work and leads to a Level 2 Work-based Diploma in Environmental Conservation.

You will also gain professional qualifications in chainsaw use and pesticide application and develop a broad range of skills needed to work in the conservation sector, which includes practical habitat management, wildlife surveying, community engagement and environmental education.

The course has opened up new job possibilities for course participant and former roofer Leigh, who says: “Wild Talent is a great opportunity if you like working outside in a natural environment and want to meet others who appreciate wildlife. I’ve learnt so much since I started the course and I’ve already got paid part time work as a result.”NEW OPPORTUNITIES: Leigh at Thames Festival

Wild Talent has enabled Darren, who is a DJ, to build on skills gained whilst volunteering in his local community.

“Wild Talent is by far the best thing I have ever done. Being involved with a local volunteer group over the last five years had got me a bit interested in conservation but this course has really opened my eyes to the bigger picture that most of us don’t see. I really enjoy learning something new every day with the London Wildlife Trust team.”

Terry started the course because he loves working outside and Wild Talent stopped him from “being trapped indoors”.

BUILDING SKILLS: Darren mowing

“You are constantly learning from different people and updating your knowledge all the time – the course opens up your life,” he said. “I started training with Wild Talent because I wanted physical, outdoor work, but since then I’ve learnt skills like mapping and surveying which will lead to other avenues of work.”

To be eligible for Wild Talent you need to be at least 18, living in London and either:

• Receiving state benefit (e.g. Jobseekers Allowance)
• Without higher education qualifications (such as a degree)
• From a black or minority ethnic group
• Or from an economically deprived area in London (just tell us your postcode and we can check for you)

The Wild Talent project has been specifically funded to challenge the barriers that exclude some people from working in environmental conservation. Wild Talent aims to address skill shortages in the nature conservation sector and increase the diversity of our workforce.